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December 31, 2013

Looking back at December 2013

What a month! As much as this post is about reflecting back on the past thirty-one days, and that we will indeed do, like so many people the world over as the very last day of 2013 kicks off, I am exceedingly exciting about what lies ahead - so much so, in fact, that I debated calling this post "looking ahead to January 2014" instead! I feel the winds of change afoot in many areas of my life, and I absolutely love this.

{Can you believe it? Another circle of seasons, block of 364 - nearly 365 - days is behind us once more. This year has been a million and one things, not all of them perfect or fun, but many of which ultimately I'm very grateful for and which I feel helped shape and propel my vision for 2014 onward. Image via Betters Homes and Gardens on Facebook.}

No year will ever be an unending bed of roses where lollipops grow on trees and unicorns frolic in perfect early June sunlight day in and day out, and I certainly don't expect 2014 to deliver as much, but I have a heady dose of optimism coupled with concrete plans to change and better various elements of my life in place that makes me feel more confident and excited about the upcoming year than I have about any other in a long time.

First though, as much as I'm champing at the bit to say hello to January 1st, let's take a quick gander back at what the exciting, action filled month of December held in store here on the blogging front.

After my trusty old laptop that had been with me for some four years decided to give up the ghost at long last, I was left 'puter-less for part of November. Thankfully however, my snazzy (and wonderfully powerful) new Lenovo arrived at the start of the month, ensure that all was able to get back on track as the year wound down. That was wonderful, because it ensured that I was able to write and get this year's exciting travel themed Vintage Holiday Gift Guide, inspired by our adventures in Calgary earlier in the year, out well in advance of the 25th (after all, a holiday gift guide isn't nearly as helpful if don't have time to actually shop, or garner inspiration, from it before the big day arrives!).

As winter weather came barreling into town, a powerfully chilly force to be reckoned with, we took at gander at Ten Cold Weather Wardrobe Staples, then enjoyed the first new edition of Saturday Snapshots since last spring. Mid-month, one of the best and most exciting things to ever happen to me as a vintage blogger (or vintage lover, for that matter) occurred when Queens of Vintage honoured me with the title of being their 136th Queen of Vintage, an accolade that I'd been daydreaming about receiving ever since the series launched a few years ago. Hands down, this was one of the biggest highlights of 2013 for me!

This month I had a profoundly awesome experience when I was offered a modeling job from a local vintage jewelry seller named Anja, whose breathtaking offerings made for one of the most enjoyable and unique photo shoots I've ever done. For those who may have missed the addendum that was added a couple of days after the post went live, I wanted to mention again here that Anja is happy to sell any of the pieces shown in those photos, that are still available, to readers worldwide (contact her via email or phone, both of which appear towards the bottom of that post, for prices and further details).

Another marvelously fun, though exceedingly more chilly, vintage outfit post, called Baby, it's cold - and festively fashionable, took place as the Christmas season rounded the bend, featuring a thoroughly gorgeous red and white 1950s style halter dress from Blue Velvet Vintage (pictured again below). Without a doubt, this is one of my favourite outfit shoots we've ever done, not only for the wonderful holiday season backdrop and fabulous frock it featured, but also because it's the first we've ever done outside at night in the pitch black darkness (something I eagerly look forward to trying our hand at again when the warmer weather returns).

In the final week of the year, we enjoyed the latest (holiday themed) edition of Flickr Favourites, I spoke candidly about how I'm actively Learning to delight in opening up about myself, and two days ago, in the last outfit post of 2013, I posed like a pool player and gave you a peak at my parent's basement while sporting a beloved mustard cardigan and vintage Austrian glass fruit brooch. A fun, cozy sartorial note to wrap up a year of wonderful vintage outfit posts on.

Outside of the blogging realm, the past couple of weeks, especially from December 24th onward, have been immensely busy ones for me - as I know they were for many of you as well. Unintentionally, between the hecticness of the holiday season and some personal issues (including that our dear 11 month old puppy, Annie, needed to have surgery last Saturday), I haven't been online for the past few days and just wanted to take a moment to say thank you very much to all those who have left recent blog comments here during the time. Once the new year is underway, I hope that life will return to a calmer pace and my usual online activities will get back on their usual track.

I've been giving it a great deal of though over the past couple of weeks, and I've decided that in 2014, I won't be doing a month-in-review post any longer. I wholeheartedly enjoyed capping off each month of 2013 with one, and though I may bring them back at some point down the line, right now I feel so charged about the future, that (as much as someone who wears, loves, dreams about and can never get enough of decades past can) I just want to look forward.

As such, coupled with a desire to more frequently feature things that truly catch my eye and inspire my life, my wardrobe choices, my passions, some of my blog posts, and other areas of my life, I've decided that starting from the end of January onward, throughout 2014, I'm going to aim for a post at the end of each month that will be filled with various things, including posts written by fellow bloggers the world over, that are inspiring, educating, delighting or otherwise impacting me in the moment (they'll be a bit like a cross between Vintage This and That, which is long overdue for a new post, and a much older reoccurring post series that appeared here super early on in this site's life called Pretty Link Roundup).

I'm really psyched about this new series (the precise name of which I'm still brainstorming - suggestions are totally welcome, if you have any), which will help celebrate each month of the coming year with a look at some of the most influential and inspiring things that have crossed my radar recently.

Today though, let's begin by celebrating this year that has just been. No matter where it fell on the good vs bad scale for you, I'm certain that there were at least a few silver linings, favourite purchases, joyful experiences, new adventures, and other awesome, worthwhile, important events and moments that you're keen to cherish the memory of as we welcome 2014 with open arms.

{It's time to toast the best of what has been this year and the thrilling prospect of what what lies ahead in 2014! Image source.}

So pop that champagne (or sparkling cider) cork, bust out your absolute sparkliest or shimmery (gold lamé, anyone?) vintage attire and tell 2013 you loved it, no matter what it dished out. You wouldn't be here right now without it - none of us would - and for that point alone, if nothing else, it's worth remembering and being grateful for.

Have a fun filled, safe, rockingly awesome New Year's Eve and incredible start of 2014, everyone. I'm excited beyond words to experience another exciting vintage filled year with all of you!!!

Ah Jessicia, a wonderful new year to you and yours! I'm a bit the same with my position on 2013, I admit; but a year with 13 in it is doomed from the start, surely. Here's to a fresh, welcome 2014! Can't wait to see what's in store x

Thanks for another terrific post! :) All the best for the coming new year - and as far as the unicorms are concerned..."Shun the unbeliever" (sorry, a wacky reference to Charlie the unicorn and the Candy Mountain - probably funnier when not in one's right mind) *LOL*

Looking forward to many more fantastic posts, wonderful outfits and travel pics, and general vintage inspiration... :)

I love that red dress so much, night time outfit pictures are so unique and you look beautiful. I just wanted to wish you a very happy new year and I hope that 2014 is a wonderful one for you. I know 2013 featured your amazing road trip and I hope that the coming year brings more exciting adventures for you and your husband, even if they are closer to home.I do hope sweet little Annie is on the mend?Thanks for all your support over the last year with my blog, your kind words and comments are so greatly appreciated. xxx

Thank you very much across the board, darling Catherine. It has been such a treat and a pleasure to collaborate with, and get to know, you better throughout 2013, too. Thank you for your awesome blog sponsorship and lovely friendship alike.

Wishing you nothing but the best (and tons of great vintage finds!) in the coming year!♥ Jessica

*PS* Thank you, yes, darling Miss Annie is recouping well. We should have the biopsy results back soon and I'll be sure to share them on Instagram and Facebook.

Your enthusiasm for 2014 is infectious! I really hope it is full of wonderful things for you. Your new series sounds really interesting, I look forward to reading it. There is something very lovely about the start of January as many people are sharing their hopes and dreams for the year. I also feel like this in September with that new school year feeling!

Thank you very much, honey! I completely agree about September. Ever since I was a little girl, I've considered it a second New Year of sorts. So much so, in fact, that some years, it feels more like a fresh start than January 1st itself (no doubt helped in part by the fact that fall, which kicks off in that month, is my favourite season and I count down the days until its return every year).

I'm excited about this new series as well. Still brainstorming a title for it, but I'm sure one will come my way by the end of the month. :)

I hadn't linked the feeling to the start of autumn before but I think that must be a contributing factor. I always think September has less pressure than January, a second chance at making the year go your way but less publicly! Happy New Year.

Jessica, you're looking so beautiful in that Christmassy colours. That's making me breathless. I'm wishing you a very happy and healthy new year 2014 with lots of magic, lovely and adventurous moments, my dear friend.

Thank you very much, my dear friend. Cold as that evening was, there was a certain special holiday enchantment to posing under those twinkling golden Christmas lights that helped warm me up (in spirit) and helped ensure it was a shoot I know I'll never forget.

Wishing you immense joy, good health, and countless reasons to smile in 2014!♥ Jessica

I wish you, Tony, and Annie the absolute best 2014!! <3 I hope that Annie is doing well, and that you recover from your cold quickly. That red dress on you is absolutely gorgeous!! :D I have enjoyed your blog and comments immensely throughtout 2013, and I look forward to doing so this year as well :}

I'm Jessica, a lifelong lover of all things antique and vintage, especially those from the 1930s, 40s and 50s.

This blog is my visual scrapbook in which I record and share my thoughts on the multitude of sources, people and products that inspire and feed a modern gal's addiction to the past. I also post about the vintage clothes, hairstyles and make-up looks that I adore wearing.

Stay a spell and have a blast as we explore the incomparably fantastic world of vintage history and fashion together.

All images used on this site are credited to their original posters/creators/sources,
however if at any time you would prefer not to see one of your images here, please email me and I'll take it down right away.

PS...I just wanted to say thank you very much for visiting and to tell you that you're equal parts awesome and beautiful.